Rick DiPietro has finally been put out of his misery as the New York Islanders have announced that their goaltender will be out for the rest of the season.

DiPietro has had a nightmare year, appearing in only five matches this year, trying to overcome complications from an October knee operation that has never fully healed. DiPietro has had swelling in the knee that has kept him out of the lineup for most of the year.

Rather than make the injury worse, and most likely because the Islanders aren't going anywhere (except perhaps Kansas City-more on that in a second) they've opted to rest their franchise netminder. DiPietro has12 years left on his $67.5 million contract.

On to the possible relocation of the Islanders....

News broke last week that the New York Islanders will be playing an exhibition match in Kansas City (where they have been actively courting the NHL for a club to relocate to) and rumors have been abound that the team may be looking to move. Charles Wang, owner of the team has been frustrated by the stall tactics Long Island officials have employed to slow the rebuilding and renovation process of Nassau Coliseum and it's surrounding land. The Coliseum is in desperate need of renovation. In truth the Islanders need a new facility, although that is highly unlikely. Wang is posturing right now, perhaps even threatening to move the club in order to motivate the politicians. Hopefully it works.

Judging by the clubs free fall the Islanders are primed to receive a top pick in this years NHL entry draft. Imagine if the club could land prized rookie John Tavares? He could be a panacea for the club, much in the same way that Sidney Crosby was for the Pittsburgh Penguins and their franchise. My fingers are crossed for the club. The once proud New York Islanders club needs to return to it's former glory, and I believe they can do so with a player like this.

Quick Shave:
It is the return of veteran (and I mean veteran) free agent players this week. Brendan Shanahan played his first game with the New Jersey Devils yesterday, and the club's newest acquisition payed immediate dividends as he opened the scoring and helped them to a 3-1 victory over the Nashville Predators. 43 year old Claude Lemieux has apparently beaten the odds and completed his comeback to the NHL. Lemieux has been recalled from the Worcester Sharks and will join the San Jose Sharks. I like this move from the Sharks. Clearly they are looking for as much playoff experience as possible and looking to make a serious run for the Stanley Cup this season. They are now stacked with proven Stanley Cup winners, adding Lemieux to a list that includes Dan Boyle, Rob Blake and Brad Lukowich. Peter Forsberg is planning on making another attempt to return to the NHL. Forsberg is skating again, testing out an ankle that has been an obstacle to him for the past several years. This could be his last try, and he has admitted that if he can't go, he will retire for good. I wish him luck.

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh