Lubomir Visnovsky

The New York Islanders were already stuck with a major problem before the NHL lockout began; now that problem has only gotten greater.

There are only three seasons (the lockout included) scheduled until Charles Wang's Islanders will be in a new home. Whether that new home is the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, a new or renovated arena developed at the Hub in Uniondale or Quebec, Seattle, or another city due to relocation is unknown. (Photo Credit: Nuke812/Flickr)

Despite the fan banter and lack of talks between the powers that be, Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano was accepting RFQ's to be granted permission to develop the site that holds the Nassau Coliseum. Some developers made it clear that they would want to keep the Islanders in their plans. However, there has been little discussion since then and it remains uncertain as to what will happen.

Griffin Reinhart was selected by the Islanders with the fourth overall pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. The 6'4, 202-pound defenseman recently signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Isles that could kick into effect as soon as the 2013 season.

Many of you are already familiar with the way that this can play out. Reinhart will have nine games of eligibility before he could be sent back to his Junior team, the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL. The 18-year old defenseman has already played three seasons for the Oil Kings and had his best last year, scoring 12 goals, 24 assists for 36 points in 58 games played. That totals a eleven point increase over the previous season.

Reinhart clearly has the size, but the question will be if he has the skill and mentality to compete at the NHL level.

As Rob McGowan reported on July 24, Lubomir Visnovsky has filed a grievance with the NHLPA regarding last month's trade to the Islanders. The reasoning? He claims his no-trade clause (which he had back in Edmonton) is still valid, and the Ducks never got the green light from him for the trade. (photo cred for this and frontpage summary image: Bridget Samuels/flickr)

This whole situation is reminiscent of a fight with a friend in which the friend insists he/she doesn't mind the result of something you did, just the fact that you did it. If Visnovsky really doesn't mind Long Island, and likes what he's hearing from GM Garth Snow regarding his role coming into next season, why even bother filing the grievance? Principle, he says.

The New York Islanders signed three players on July 1st, including defenseman Matt Carkner. His addition to the Isles will bring a new element of physicality and toughness on the blue line.

A big and strong crease clearing defenseman has been lacking possibly since Andy Sutton was traded a few years ago to the Ottawa Senators. Carkner's grit and willingness to stick up for his teammates will certainly make the Islanders a tougher team to play against.

Carkner and I had a chance to talk on the phone yesterday to discuss what he's been up to this off-season, what happened on July 1st and what he plans on bringing to the table one he puts on the orange and blue sweater.