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Biron signing proof DP ain’t close thumbnail

Biron signing proof DP ain’t close

July 22, 2009   ·     ·   Jump to comments

What a surprise. The night I am over a good friend’s, the Islanders decide to add another veteran goalie to a crowded mix, inking former Flyer No.1 Martin Biron to a one-year $1.4 million deal.

With virtually no goalie market, Biron recently had become the punchline among hockey bloggers who figured he had no job and would seek work overseas. So much for that. Thanks to the continued bizarre situation on the Island where a day removed from not being able to afford a radio team in John Tavares’ rookie season, there’s enough cash to dole out on another No.1 caliber netminder. Now, Biron joins Dwayne Roloson, who the club quickly scooped up back when July Madness began by committing two years to the soon to be 40 year-old ex-Oiler.

This a month since the Isles tabbed two more goalies in the Entry Draft including recently signed Mikko Koskinen, who likely will split duty in AHL Bridgeport. So, what does it all mean about company man Rick DiPietro? Well, for starters, it points to what we hinted at in these parts. That DP ain’t close to being ready. That’s probably a good thing. Well, perhaps not as far as the Islanders are concerned. But after how they rushed him back following surgery last year only to discover that he wasn’t up to par, resulting in an early end, maybe the organization finally learned its lesson. With both Biron and Roloson on the Island, it gives the Islanders two serviceable puck stoppers and should allow DiPietro to take as much time needed to recover.

Clearly, DP’s career is at a crossroads. Should Islander fans expect him to be the same goalie who was on the cusp of elite status before all the setbacks? Hard to say. Most would just half assume the former 2000 No.1 overall pick is done. But we’re still talking about an ultra competitive guy who will do whatever he can to get back.

Right now, Charles Wang’s 15-year investment looks about as friendly as the current economy. Yeah. It’s probably a good bet he won’t make it to 2020. Here’s the kicker. He makes $4.5 million for the duration but if the Isles place him on LT injured reserve, it comes off freeing up more space for Garth Snow to work with. Perhaps now he can turn his attention to surrounding Tavares, Kyle Okposo and Josh Bailey with some talent. Alex Tanguay probably could be had for cheap.

If you combine Biron and Roloson’s salaries, that’s a $3.4 M cap hit for 2009-10. At least they’ll get to earn it. The big question is when will DiPietro finally return? It remains one of life’s unsolved mysteries.

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  1. Biron signing proof DP ain't close | The Battle of New York :: A … on July 23rd, 2009 1:37 am

    [...] View original here:  Biron signing proof DP ain't close | The Battle of New York :: A … [...]

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  2. Hasan on July 23rd, 2009 9:09 pm

    Incredibly Wang tried to act like nothing was wrong with DiPietro when Francesa was asking him about the goaltending on the FAN (in between Lighthouse questions), claiming that he was on schedule yadda yadda yadda. The Isles are fanatical when it comes to not divulging injury news.

    Actions speak louder than words though, you don’t sign two goaltenders and draft two others if you have no worries about a guy that’s barely played in a year and a half.

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