Yashin to Return

Garth Snow in an interview yesterday that Alexei Yashin is an important part of the Islanders orgainzation.....in layman's terms.....Yashin will be back in 07. The speculation over a possible buyout should end at this point. I can't say I agree with it....but I certianly understand it. Let me explain....

Yashin is due 7.6 million dollars next season and the following season....the final 2 seasons he is owed less (about $6 million per average) it totals about $27 million over the next 4 years....with a buyout he would collect almost the entire amount only over the next eight years instead of the next 4. From a business standpoint....it makes absolutely no sense to buy him out. If Yashin was owed $5 million for 2 years it would make more sense....but to pay him nearly $25 million and to get absolutely nothing for that money is ridiculous.

There was little doubt that Yashin would be back with the Islanders next year....albeit in a much smaller role than he has been in year's past. Yashin will most likely not be the Captain anymore....and will not be the focal point of the offense. He will likely be relegated to a second or third line winger position. Much like Viktor Kozlov filled this year. I know that is a lot of money to pay for a player like that....but honestly....there is nothing that can be done about that. When you sign a player to a long term deal....thats the chance you take. You didn't hear any Islander fans complaining when we gave Yashin the contract during the summer of 2001. The franchise was starving for a star player and Yashin was coming off a 40 goal season for the Ottawa Senators and was widely regarded as a offensive force. He also was just entering his prime at age 27. Yashin had also not missed a game due to injury in 4 years. The deal at the time was a no brainer....and the contract seemed like a steal at the time given what Yashin would bring to the table.

Since that time Yashin has not scored a playoff point in his last 9 playoff games. Has missed significant time due to a variety of injuries....(lacerated arm, sprained knee...etc). After scoring 30 or more goals 5 of his 7 season in Ottawa....he has scored more than 30 only once since coming to Long Island...(his first season). In those 5 season he had more than 30 goals....he also had more than 70 points....2 of those years he had more than 80 and 1 he had 94 points. Since the trade Yashin has scored 70 points once....and his numbers have been declining each season.

Sorry folks....Looks like we'll be seeing ol' #79 back in the Orange and Blue for at least the next year.