Friday, February 13, 2009

Another One Bites the Dust

It seems the injury bug has bitten Islander Country once more. During the game at the Rock Wednesday in New Jersey, Doug Weight suffered a knee injury identified as a MCL sprain and is expected to miss the next six weeks. What does this mean for the Islanders?

First off, on the ice, this is huge loss. While healthy, Weight has been one of the Isles most consistent forwards, netting 9 goals and 26 assists for 35 points in 44 games. His play on the first line with captain Bill Guerin and Mike Comrie has been one of the few bright spots during this season.

From a front office standpoint, this has to be devastating to the organization. Weight was one of the few players many feel could bring in true value via trade. Teams would be looking for a veteran center who is playoff tested to make the push for the postseason, and Weight fit that part perfectly. Weight is 38 years old, and with a leg injury like this, anything is possible. Either way, the Isles are looking at the remainder of the season without their best veteran center.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

This is a tough break. The isles could have traded him for someone decent. But at the same time, maybe other teams will now be reluctant to sign Doug Weight next season due his age and his likeliness to become injured increasing. This may increase the isles' chance of signing him as a free agent next season.