CH: This is the correct and obvious move here. Like we said, Strome is not physically ready for the NHL, and having him play games would have been a mistake. He will go back to a Niagara team that has stumbled a bit out of the gate and be a main contributor for a team that should be in the playoffs. While this week may have been a waste from a fans' standpoint, Strome claims he learned a lot, which in the grand scheme of things is important.
AT: The only positive to having Strome up for the two games was that he was able to take part in NHL practices, but this is obviously the right move. Niagara is going to be a force in the OHL this year and compete heavily for the Memorial Cup, so this was the best possible option for all parties. Strome gets to develop further, and Islander fans get to see a well developed Strome in a few years.
Kirill Kabanov has found a home for the time being as he will play for Farjestad of the Swedish Elite League on a one month tryout. Kabanov has recently stayed on Long Island as he continues to try and find a place to play.
CH: It's only a month but this is exactly the league that Kabanov should be playing in. We knew the KHL would not take him back, and given the amount of talent that has come through the SEL, he is at the right level. The nature of the league is somewhat defensive, so even if Kabanov only plays fourth line minutes, he will learn a lot of valuable lessons there. We can worry about the future when it comes, but for now this is a relatively good situation for Kabanov given the circumstances.
AT: Even if it's 4th line minutes, playing time is playing time. The SEL is a professional league where many other prospects as well as veterans play, so Kabanov will have an interesting time finding a chemistry with both the younger and older players of the game. While everyone including myself still prefers him to be in the Q, sometimes extenuating circumstances force other action to be taken.
Rick DiPietro continues to be re-evaluated after getting hit in the head by a Brian Rolston snapshot in Wednesday's practice. Doctors have not ruled a concussion out just yet, according to Katie Strang. DiPietro will not dress for Thursday's game against Tampa Bay. Evgeni Nabokov will back-up Al Montoya.
CH: DiPietro cannot seem to catch a break. I know that he is a very polarizing figure in Islander country these days, but you have to feel bad for him. This is a freak incident that may have been brought on by previous concussions, so there is nothing anyone could have done.
AT: Really is a shame. He seemed to be fully healthy coming into this year, but everyone was so focused on his knees that his concussion problems in the past weren't really on anyone's radar. Hopefully the situation is monitored properly and DiPietro can return to back up Montoya and put up a few solid games here and there.
Finally, Trevor Gillies comes off IR today and replaces Ryan Strome on the active roster.
AT: Fear the 'stash.
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