Veteran forward Jay Pandolfo to tryout with New York Islanders, curbs retirement –NHL offseason Update
Speculations about veteran player, Jay Pandolfo, can be put aside for now as the 36-year-old player accepted an offer from New York Islanders to try out for the team for another chance to play in the National Hockey League (NHL) after having spent last season
in the minor leagues.
The two-time Stanley Cup winner was drafted by New Jersey Devils as their 32nd overall selection during round-two of the 1993 NHL Entry Draft. He remained a valuable contributor for the team for over 12 regular seasons in the league along with
playing nearly all games during their 2000 and 2003 Stanley Cup championship winning stretch.
Retirement can still not be totally cleared out of the situation as Pandolfo describes the current offer as something which is not certain and could lead to anything, even a big comeback for another championship. Whatever the situation might be, he is still
willing to try his best.
“Going to give it one more chance’’, said Pandolfo, who must go the tryout route if he wants to make a team. “Once you stop for good, you’re obviously done. I’ll try and give it one more try here. If it works out, great. If not, that’s it’’.
The Winchester, Massachusetts, United States native, repeated his career high record of 27 points (13 goals, 14 assists) during the 2006-2007 season in all 82-games played, but went downhill from there, which ultimately ended in being sidelined to join the
American Hockey League (NHL) to play for Springfield Falcons.
New Jersey Devils general manager, Lou Lamoriello, hoped that the situation would have turned out better.
"That was very unfortunate", Lamoriello said about Pandolfo leaving NJ. "That situation was unfortunate. But put that aside. There comes a time in everybody's career when things are not the way they used to be. The unfortunate thing is it's real. And Jay
is not the only player”.
With such valuable experience under his belt, Jay Pandolfo will surely be able to make a big impact with a team like New York as he looks to end his career in a prolific way.
Tags: