BILL GUERIN AN ISLANDER

The Islanders have announced that they have signed Winger Bill Guerin to a 2 year contract worth $4.5 million per year. The 36 year old had 36 goals and 56 points last season with the St. Louis Blues and the San Jose Sharks. The Islanders tried to acquire Guerin at the trade deadline last year, and after the attempt failed they took the same package and offered it to Edmonton for Ryan Smyth, which was obviously taken. Guerin will be a huge help to the Islanders as they were obviously lacking in players up front. Guerin is a 30 goal scorer and plays similar to Ryan Smyth. When I did my free agent preview, I had Guerin as one of my top targets for the Isles. I figured that if Smyth left, it was almost a sure bet to see Guerin here. But as players were quickly grabbed, I didn't think he would still be out there. He wanted a multi-year contract, and a report surfaced earlier today that the Isles were very interested in Guerin for a multi-year contract. The price might indicate a little bit of an over payment, but I feel it is actually on par for the rest of the signings in the NHL this offseason. Besides, the Islanders will most likely not come close to the $50.3 million cap, so what is there to lose? Most figure that if the Islanders are out of the playoff picture this season and next season, they can get something of value for some of the new signings. However, I don't think the Islanders have this in their plans. More on that in a little bit though. This signing is a very good one for the Islanders, and the fans seem to like it as well. Guerin is a very hard worker who has a ton of grit, and is a very good leader. I love the idea of guys like him, Sillinger and Witt teaching our young players how to play the game. He is definitely a guy that Nolan pushed for, as his style seems to fit the system that Nolan has been trying to preach here.

Just some more news and notes: Today, the Islanders also made another move, Trading defenseman Allan Rourke and a 3rd rounder in 2008 to the Edmonton Oilers for a 2nd round pick in 2008. Many fans, including myself and Sean, are wondering if this is going to set the stage for a trade by the Islanders. While that is unclear, the Islanders do seem to be very active on the free agent front. Many sources have said that the Islanders are very close to coming to an agreement with Mike Comrie, and the signing of Guerin today and Fedotenko yesterday might help that idea. It was also mentioned by Greg Logan in his Newsday blog that the Islanders are expected to go after free-agent defenseman Andy Sutton, who will surely help Brendan Witt on the blueline. Also, there has been a rumor floating around that Snow and co. might have a renewed interest in Sheldon Souray. We shall see what goes on, and we will keep you informed.

Chris