Comrade Dubielewicz Back In The U.S.A.

(above) DU Alum Wade Dubielewicz is expected to be back in an NHL jersey soon

From: Newsday

In the surest sign yet that the Islanders might be close to shutting down goaltender Rick DiPietro for the season after just five starts, general manager Garth Snow said the team has held exploratory talks with the agent for former University of Denver goaltender Wade Dubielewicz, who recently was bought out of his contract with Ak Bars Kazan of Russia's Kontinental Hockey League.

Told that Dubielewicz is talking to at least three NHL teams with goaltender problems, Snow said, "I guess we're one of the three. We have to see what happens with Rick first before we do anything."

Dubielewicz left the Islanders as a free agent last summer because they only could offer a two-way contract since Joey MacDonald was on a one-way deal that assured him the position as DiPietro's backup.

"We worked out a buyout, and Wade's back," said Kurt Overhardt, who represents Dubielewicz. "We're just waiting to see what happens. We're talking to three teams with goaltender issues that need a reliable backup. Something will transpire in the next couple of days to two weeks."

KHL records are sketchy, but Overhardt said Dubielewicz played well in Russia and enjoyed the experience. If the Islanders sign him now, it has to be on a one-way deal, which would indicate DiPietro's season is over.

Asked what kind of terms Dubielewicz left on, Overhardt said, "No bridges were burned."

7 comments:

du78 said...

Isles starter Joey MacDonald was injured tonight in the 1st period with a strained groin and will be re-evaluated tomorrow. This could mean a sooner rather than later signing of Dubie by the Isles. A good bargaining position for Dubie. It looks like the Isles are also pointing towards shutting down DiPietro for the rest of the season as he didn't even skate today in the pre-game.

Anonymous said...

Hasn't DiPietro been out for almost the whole season? Or has the Isles just decided to focus on MacDonald now?

Anonymous said...

skinner traded to thrashers for junior lessard. basically, brett skinner has become an ahl journeyman

Anonymous said...

Well either that or he is now playing Hobey Baker caliber hockey. :-)

I think DiPietro has only played 5 games this season. Hope the best for Dubbie. Can't wait to hear the stories from Russia. Guessing it isn't too great over there if you have a family.

du78 said...

DiPietro has missed most of the season but the reports coming out of the local media are that they are looking to officially put him on the shelf for the rest of the season. Given that they would only have MacDonald with any significant NHL experience, they need another NHL goalie, enter Dubie. With MacDonald getting hurt last night their need even for an NHL experienced goalie is even greater. Danis who finsihed the game last night has minimal experience as does Mannino. The Isles would prefer to have Danis and Mannino in Bridgeport.

du78 said...

Peter Mannino called up to Isles to be the back-up tonight. Dubie still not out of the picture and could be signed in the next few days.

http://www.islanderspointblank.com/2009/01/boston-at-islanders-705-pmmanninodubiepb-on-xmmore-to-come/

du78 said...

Dubie signed a 1-year $500,000 prorated deal with the Isles for the remainder of the season. MacDonald out 2 to 4 weeks witha starined groin and DiPietro likley shelved for the rest of the season. From Botta's blog.

[url]http://www.islanderspointblank.com/2009/01/macdonald-out-2-4-weeksokay-back-to-kc-story/#comments[/url]