We've been talking about rebuilding here for years. I'm tired of that and I don't think the Islanders can afford another rebuilding process. I think this team is a couple of players away from contending, I really do. We have the supporting cast set -- now we need the stars.

We've been talking about rebuilding here for years. I'm tired of that and I don't think the Islanders can afford another rebuilding process. I think this team is a couple of players away from contending, I really do. We have the supporting cast set -- now we need the stars.

Let's look at a team like Ottawa as an example. How are they better than us? They have a first line that can kill you every night. Otherwise, if you take away that line, they are not much different than us. Their defense is good (not great) and their goaltending is sufficient (if nothing else). In the same amount of games as Ottawa (47) we have allowed virtually the same amount of goals (130 against Ottawa, 131 against us). However, the major difference is that Ottawa has scored 162 goals (second best in the NHL) while we have scored on 115 (second worst in the NHL).

While there has been much lip service about rebuilding, this is the first time in the last 10 years that I feel like we are actually doing it while trying to put a competitve team on the ice....The Peca/Yashin years were not rebuilding...and then 2004-2005 the team was rudderless not knowing what to do, the addition of Nolan and "the committee" there actually seems like there is a plan. 3 of the D men and both goalies are from our system....now Comeau/Bergy....lets hope Tamby and Kyle are the next pieces...and then in year 4 we get a big FA or 2 to help.

And just where are we supposed to get "the couple of stars" that you mention? We have no trading chips to acquire stars and most of the Isles veterans are on expiring contracts. You think teams are going to trade us stars for our average talent on expiring contracts? Or do you want us to trade all our future draft picks so we have no young talent AND no veterans left.

Like it or not - we're actually in the middle of a mediocre rebuilding effort right now.

And just where are we supposed to get "the couple of stars" that you mention? We have no trading chips to acquire stars and most of the Isles veterans are on expiring contracts. You think teams are going to trade us stars for our average talent on expiring contracts? Or do you want us to trade all our future draft picks so we have no young talent AND no veterans left.

Like it or not - we're actually in the middle of a mediocre rebuilding effort right now.

I totally agree. That's the problem, and I don't claim to have any solutions. I'm just lamenting because I want to see a vision for the future. I'm sorry, but Okposo and Tamby are not nearly enough. The only thing I can think of is to trade up in the draft so we can acquire someone like Crosby or Ovechkin (not that these sort of players come along often).

But let's get back to the original point of my thread: We're relying on Ricky too much. How do we fix that? After all, you don't want to risk burning him out!

Personally I would rather mail in the season and sell. Guys like Sillinger, Hunter, Fedetenko, Comrie, Guerin, Satan, and Vasicek can go if we can get a good prospect and a pick. That would help speed up the process, but dont send away the youth

Personally I would rather mail in the season and sell. Guys like Sillinger, Hunter, Fedetenko, Comrie, Guerin, Satan, and Vasicek can go if we can get a good prospect and a pick. That would help speed up the process, but dont send away the youth

I would definately give them whatever they want (besides Okposo) for hossa ONLY if we are allowed to work out an extension first... I think snow has learned his lesson, and i doubt he will ever try to "rent" a player again. I dont know why ppl are willing to mail in this season (and the core of the team) for prospects and picks? Have you all forgotten that this is a team that be4 yesterday was 4 points out of the division lead, and our leading scorer has 36 points?? imagine where we would be if we had a legitimate scorer like Hossa. I firmly believe that in this salary cap age, with the addition of 2 scorers, and some luck, the isles could certainly make a good run with this group, whether thats this year or next.