The New York Islanders have added to their growing leadership core by signing forward Jay Pandolfo to a one year deal. The areas in which this young Islanders team has lacked is experience and defensive prowess, have gown exponentially by inking the veteran to lead the charge on the defensive side of the puck. Pandolfo is a two time Stanley Cup winner that knows what it takes to get the job done. He will join a revamped leadership group that includes Brian Rolston, Mark Streit, Marty Reasoner, and Steve Staios. Look for Pandolfo to split time between the third and fourth line mentoring up and coming players into the pro ranks.The Isles have spent the past two seasons icing rosters of promising youngsters to only fall completely short of playoff contention. While the future looks infinitely better, they have signed another young player in fifth overall pick Ryan Strome. Strome possesses the adequate size, speed and puck handling ability to bolster the young core along with Nino Neidrieter who is expected to see NHL minutes upon the nursing of his own injuries. While Nino is expected to keep a spot, the organization will be evaluating Strome's performance in his absence. If Strome fails to impress, he will be sent back to Niagara of the junior ranks to refine his game in hopes that he will become a important piece of the clubs future. If he sticks as a top six forward, look for the Islanders to develop invaluable chemistry amongst its promising young core of castoffs and high draft picks.
-Dustin Lundberg
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