Captain Desperation?

For the first time in almost 5 years as an Islander, Alexei Yashin is playing a desperate game. His agent Marc Gandler, said yesterday in an interview with Greg Logan that Yashin would be willing to give up the Captaincy in order to stay on Long Island.

Reason behind this??.....well there are a few...

First of all....if the Islanders buy out Yashin's remaining 4 years and nearly $25 million, he would only get about $17.5 million of it, and would collect it over the next 8 years....not the next 4. Also....Yashin's value is probably the lowest it's been ever. He would be no better than a 2nd or thrd ine player at a $2 million value. Secondly, Yashin know the Islanders will have make a change with the "C". With Ryan Smyth already the defacto Captain and with the Islanders needing to either sign him...or bring in someone else...the "C" will be a huge bargining chip. Smyth, though considered an excellent leader and voice in the room, has never been a Captain. Much like the Boston Bruins did with Zdeno Chara last summer.

Now.....I dont think Marc Gandler and Yashin came out of left field with all this....there has to be some discussion about a possible buy out and they are making the first move. Personally I'm insulted by this. Wearing the "C" is supposed to be one of the greatest honors that can bestowed on a hockey player. It obviously means very little to Alexei Yashin. If Yashin thought it would be in the best interest of the franchise to give it up....then I would commend him on this move, but thats not the case. Yashin is simply trying to save himself both cash and marketability. Knowing good and well that he would not be a top free agent if he was bought out....(he would probably have to do what Bill Guerin did last year and wait for a job to open up and accept a small one year contract to prove himself), and the fact that he will lose out on almost $7.5 million.

This discussion is far from over.....I guarantee that. This talk may go right up to the June 30th deadline.

We're in for a veryyyyy interesting summer.