Filed under: Transactions | Tags: Claim, Signing, Thomas Pock, Transaction
A New York Ranger Comes Cross Town
From the New York Islanders Website.
The New York Islanders have claimed defenseman Thomas Pockoff waivers from the New York Rangers. Pock has played in 59 career NHL games and has scored seven goals withseven assists for 14 points.Last season, Pock played in one game withthe Rangers and went scoreless. He also played in 74 games with the Hartford Wolfpackof the American Hockey League and scored seven goals with 37 assists for 44 points. Pock finished tied for 11th among AHL defensemen in assists last season.Pock has played in a total of 195 AHL games during his career, all with Hartford. He has scored 23 goals and 89 assists for 112 points and a plus/minus rating of +40. In 2005-06, Pock was named to the AHL’s Second All-Star Team.
A native of Klagenfurt, Austria, Pock was originally signed by the Rangers as an undraftedfree agent after playing four seasons at the University of Massachusetts. Over the course of four seasons with Massachusetts, Pock played in 130 games and scored 44 goals and 58 assists for 102 points. He was named to the 2002-03 Hockey East Second All-Star Team, the 2003-04 Hockey East First All-Star Team and the NCAA All-Tournament teams in 2003 and 2004.
The Islanders already pertain to 7 NHL Ready Defenseman, and many prospects such as Jack Hillen who could make the team as well. All in all, the Islanders are heavy on D but from the scenes from last season it seems Garth is not thinking twice. After the wave of injuries splashed into the Islanders dressing room, the Islanders were shell shocked. This year the Islanders top 6 look set and it seems Bruno Gervais could be the 7th man out as a healthy scratch.
The obtainment of Thomas Pock can be justified by three ways:
1. Chris Campoli’s injury is more serious than expected
2. Just an extra to have in Bridgeport if the injuries strike again
3. A trade is in the works to trade off a defensman, such as Gervais, who may be a healthy scratch fromnight to night if the Isles play 6 defensemen.
I believe this is a smart pick up, to you as insurance if ever needed. I approve Garth.
How about Khabibulin?!?!?
