A Couple Of Quickies...

Greetings!

The New York Islanders have been clearing out salary space for a possible signing of Brian Leetch. Is this just to force the Rangers' hand or are the Isles serious? Apparently, Leetch is not expected, however, to sign until after the all-star break. Huh? An aging defenseman who has not played since last April is going to sign that late into the season? Something is missing here and I'm going to get to the bottom of it. I will say this when it comes to Brian Leetch: Buyer Beware! Leetch is past his prime and could really upset a team's chemistry by being added so late in the year.

Brad Isbister was recalled from Hartford to play tonight in Florida. Isbister has size and potential, but his career got sidetracked and he has never lived up to his potential. But he is 29 and could serve as a solid checking forward. Meanwhile, Ryan Callahan, 21, was sent back to play for the Wolf Pack. He played well against the Isles, but is better suited to play in Hartford to gain more experience before playing with the big club.

Now if the Rangers want to go out and trade for Sergei Zubov to make up for one of the worst trades in team history. That I am all for. The Rangers dealt Zubov and Petr Nedved to Pittsburgh before the 95-96 season for Ulf Samuelsson and Luc Robitaille. Zubov is immensely talented offensively, but needs to play with a tough d-man to make up for his lack of aggressiveness. Can you say Derian Hatcher?

The Rangers and MSG are looking into buying an ECHL team and having them play in Brooklyn, at the new arena that is going to be built for the Nets.

Classy ceremony the other night honoring Brendan Shanahan and Jarmoir Jagr. A great touch by bringing out their respective families and Steve Yzerman (Shanny's old mate in Detroit) and Mario Lemieux (who played with Jaromir in Pitt), along with Mark Messier serving as the guy that got everyone lined up properly for pictures.

Later on Mark Messier, Yzerman and Lemieux all were interviewed by Al Trautwig. The next night Trautwig got to interview Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing, and Charley Oakley. Not a bad week at all...

Hey, I don't like to blow my own horn, but so far, I'm doing pretty well with these hockey names, no?

Stay Onsides!