New York Islanders Reportedly Invite Bryan McCabe to Training Camp

The New York Islanders have reportedly sent yet another camp invite. After inviting ex-Devil Jay Pandolfo to this year's training camp, the Islanders have reportedly sent an invite to free agent veteran defenseman, Bryan McCabe.

There have been rumors for a while now that Islander GM, Garth Snow, was interested in bringing in McCabe, and that McCabe was interested in coming back to the Islanders. The only thing that was standing between them was that Snow wanted McCabe to attend training camp on a tryout basis before signing him, while McCabe wanted the deal first instead of having to attend training camp before signing the deal.

I don't know whether the invite means that they've come onto an agreement, seeing as there's been no reports about McCabe actually accepting the invite as of yet, but I do expect an agreement to be in place between the two sides. Snow's not the type to just invite a player to training camp, and hope they accept.

That being said, I can't think of many available players who are a better fit for the Islanders then McCabe. For one thing, he's the best option available to help the Islanders get to the salary cap floor. I expect that any deal that may or may not take place to be around 1 year, 2/2.1 million. Throw in Bailey's eventual new contract, and Nino's salary in the likely event he makes the roster, and the Islanders should be fine.

McCabe is also a perfect option for the second power play line with that big shot of his, and can play 17-19 minutes a night, which will provide useful when trying to ease Mark Streit back into the game. McCabe can also be a hard hitter, and has recently been taking less penalties then he usually did earlier in his career as he has averaged 53 PIMS per season the last 3 years.

Putting McCabe's possible addition into account, I see the defensive lines looking something like this next year, pardoning any injuries of course.

Hamonic-MacDonald

Pairing worked out very well last year, and I see it taking place again this year.

Jurcina-Streit

Jurcina counters Streit's offensive capabilities with a big body which he uses well in his zone, whether to apply hits or block shots. Jurcina also has a bullet of a shot himself, but unlike Streit, Jurcina has a right handed shot. This helps him get off his bullet of a one-timer, as Streit has a left handed shot, and also makes him the best partner to help Streit get off his own bullet. Out of all the defensemen the Islanders currently have, I see Jurcina as the best fit to play with Streit for his defensive capabilities, and his right handed shot.

Eaton-McCabe

In the scenario that McCabe does sign, Eaton is the best fit as being his partner. Eaton is a defensive defenseman all the way, and can help erase any mistakes which McCabe may or may not make while playing in his own zone. This partnership will also allow McCabe to make more offensive plays knowing that Eaton is beside him to cover for him.

Personally, I definitely see this deal coming together. Whether it takes place now or at the end of September is anyone's guess, but I will hazard the guess that Bryan McCabe will indeed re-join the Islanders come opening night.

Comments encouraged!!