[ThePundit]

Isles 2279 and BossyforPres: Screw Ryan Smyth. These are the guys I want here:

We had plenty of offers," Sutton said of the signing process. "I was really holding out to get things right with the Islanders . . . This is a team on the up-and-up and making a lot of changes for the good. I really liked where the organization was going. It was a no-brainer for me."

Maybe he's still in the honeymoon period, but Sutton even said playing in an old building like Nassau Coliseum "was actually a positive" for him, and he sounded as if he's ready to recruit for the Isles.

"Everything has been so top-notch," Sutton said. "Players around the league should really know that the New York Islanders are making changes, and they're a very solid franchise."

Free-agent signee Sutton a hit for Islanders -- Newsday.com

[Isles2279]

Hi Pundit...Im encouraged by all reports out of camp...especially Evan Grossman's (of NHL.com) week long account. I like the way things are shaping up and think we are going to be a tough team to beat this season. I guess you could say I'm optimistically nervous as the season approaches. ...at least we're Yashin-Free...woohoo!

[ThePundit]

I was actually surprised to hear that free agents are not considering the Islanders because of the "arena." I mean, is there a better building to have a home playoff game in? It's small, and it rocks.