With a New Coach, New Outlook, Yashin Is Back
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There have been many bad contracts given to underachieving hockey players over the years, but in terms of the sheer volume of cash involved, no NHL contract has been more problematic than the one the Islanders bestowed upon Alexei Yashin back in the summer of 2001. Originally a 10-year, $87.5 million deal, the NHL’s new collective-bargaining agreement took a 24% bite out of Yashin’s compensation. But even with that reduction, the enigmatic Russian forward still costs the Isles $7 million a season against the salary cap.
The real problem is not the amount Yashin is paid, but rather the fact that his production hasn’t been remotely commensurate with his compensation. In each of the five seasons from 1998–99 (Yashin’s career best season) to 2003–04, his points-per-game average has gone down, from a high of 1.15 to a low of 0.72.
Yashin’s scoring did rise a bit in 2005–06 (his fourth season with the Isles), but that improvement was more a factor of the NHL’s more offensive style. With more power play time, it was inevitable that the Isles’ first line center would see his point production rise. But a 66-point season (with a -14 rating) was hardly what the Isles were looking for when they brought Yashin aboard to help bring their franchise back to respectability.
This season, however, things are dramatically different. Yashin has burst out of the gate with 17 points in the Isles’ first 13 games. Playing for new coach Ted Nolan, with whom he has clearly clicked, Yashin is finally playing at the consistently high level that has been expected of him.
Interestingly enough, Yashin’s point production has risen despite the fact that he’s connecting on only 8.2% of his shots. That shooting percentage is quite low for Yashin (his career average is 12.1%) and is a sign that his numbers are more likely to rise than fall as the season progresses. Averaging 4.7 shots a game, Yashin is on pace to fire a career-high 385 shots on opposing netminders. If he converts on a career-average 12.1% of those shots, he’ll finish with a career-best 47 goals and likely top the 100-point mark for the first time in his career.
Demonstrating a level of creativity not seen in any of his previous time in an Islanders sweater, Yashin is creating high-quality scoring opportunities on virtually every shift. He is enjoying great chemistry with linemates Jason Blake and Viktor Kozlov, and he has earned Nolan’s trust. He had a plus two rating entering last night’s game against the Lightning, after being a minus player in each of his previous four seasons with the Isles. His diligence this season is certainly helping him to make a positive impression on his new coach.
“The one thing about Alexei is that what I’ve heard and what he is are totally different things,” Nolan told reporters. “I’ve never met a classier individual in my life. I’ve met a lot of sports people, but he’s a top-notch, quality person.”
One strategy Nolan has pursued in order to get more out of Yashin is to allow him to play shorthanded. Last season, Yashin averaged just 12 seconds of penalty-killing time per game. But this season, that average is up over one minute a game. And Yashin’s total ice time is up by about the same amount.
Though Yashin isn’t the Isles’ best penalty killer, his substantial offensive skills do help keep opposing power play units on edge. By utilizing his star center in this fashion, Nolan is ensuring that Yashin stays focused in all game situations.
“It helps me stay in the game,” Yashin said. “It keeps me ready, every next shift I’m ready to play instead of missing a big chunk of the game. I’m getting more consistent ice time.”
It helps, also, that this year’s Islanders team is much better constructed than last year’s version. Nolan — a former Jack Adams Trophy winner as NHL’s Coach of the Year — has instilled a sense of discipline and purpose. And new arrivals Brendan Witt and Chris Simon are providing the Isles’ oft-maligned captain with valuable support both on the ice and off.
“One of the things we’ve done here is bring in some people to support his leadership,” Nolan asserted. “I just don’t think Alexei was surrounded with proper leadership in that room last year. When you look at guys like Chris Simon, Mike Sillinger and Brendan Witt, those guys have really added something. Alexei feels a little bit more comfortable with himself and now his play his indicative of that.”
Of course, Yashin’s not the only Islander looking to rebuild a damaged reputation. The Buffalo Sabres let Nolan go following his Jack Adams-winning season, a fractured relationship with star goaltender Dominik Hasek believed to be the primary cause, and it took until this past summer for another NHL team to give him another opportunity to coach. Needless to say, getting the most out of Yashin is a strong sign that Nolan learned a valuable lesson from his conflict with Hasek, and that he will not allow history to repeat itself.
If Yashin keeps playing at this high level, it would appear that he’s finally become the go-to guy the Isles have lacked since Zigmund Palffy was traded to the Los Angeles Kings. With a rejuvenated captain leading the way, Nolan should emerge as a Jack Adams candidate once again, helping the once moribund Isles back into the playoff hunt.
For the Isles’ long-beleaguered fans, that is wonderful news indeed.
Mr. Greenstein is the editor in chief of InsideHockey.com.