Islanders Sign Rob Schremp
The New York Islanders have announced that they have agreed to a one-year contract with forward Rob Schremp. Schremp was picked up by the Islanders off waivers last season, and played 44 games with the club.
Rob Shremp
Schremp began his professional career playing for the Mississauga Ice Dogs of the Ontario Hockey League. He played a season for the Ice Dogs before he was moved to the London Knights, where his junior career flourished. In 2004 Schremp was drafted in the first round 25th overall by the Edmonton Oilers. Known for his slick hands, Schremp returned to the OHL, notching 126 points to lead the league in scoring, that same year winning the Memorial Cup with London on one of the best junior teams ever assembled.
Schremp then moved to the Oilers American Hockey League affiliate, the Wilkes-Barrie/Scranton Penguins. Schremp had a strong year, posting 53 points in 69 games. The following year the Oilers moved their affiliate club to Springfield as the Springfield Falcons. Schremp was able to find his form in the AHL posting great numbers over his next two seasons, but was never able to contribute for the Oilers. In seven games he was only able to tally three points. Edmonton grew tired of his inability to perform in the NHL and placed the youngster on waivers. Schremp was then picked up by the Islanders, where he became an integral part of their young offense. Thenew found responsibility helped the 24 year-old to find his niche registering, seven goals and 18 assists, for 25 points.
Islanders Perspective
For the Islands the Schremp signing provides them with another inexpensive young forward to help move their team into the future. The Islanders are a team on the rebuild, and without a great deal of talent up front they are able to give Schremp the minutes other NHL clubs cannot. At 24 Schremp had been all but written off by the rest of the league. General Manager Garth Snow snagged the youngster off waivers and gave him a shot, and it paid off for both of them. The Islanders still have some work to do this off-season, but they seem to be going with the same youth oriented club that helped them progress so much last season. Snow understood he would be able to slot Schremp in nicely, while his cost reduced the risk.
Schremp’s Perspective
Schremp has to be thrilled with the fact that the Islanders have decided to sign him. In New York he is able to get the NHL ice time he was demanding in Edmonton. Known to be somewhat of a head-case and irresponsible on defence, Schremp’s reputation kept him off of most NHL squads' radars. Snow and the Islanders extended him a life-line last season.
Schremp preformed well last year, but will be expected to contribute more than seven goals come October. Schremp cannot take his opportunity in New York for granted, and will have to work even harder to maintain his role as a full time NHLer. Although the Islanders are a young club, and Schremp should get plenty of ice time to start off the season, he will have to keep his play up as nearly a decade of poor Islanders teams has helped to stockpile the team with some top-notch prospects.
Schremp was almost written off completely after he was placed on waivers by the Oilers last season. The word was out that he was difficult to deal with and was not a team player. The Islanders may have their hands full with Schremp as he enters his first full season with the franchise, however his offensive upside is through the roof, and if they are able to tap into that, the reward could be extraordinary.
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