News:Frans Nielsen (lower body) will play in Saturday's Game 6 against the Penguins, Newsday's Arthur Staple reports.
Analysis: No setbacks occurred during warmups, so Frans Nielsen will play Saturday and try to do what he can to keep his team alive.
News:Frans Nielsen (lower body) is on the ice for pregame warmups Saturday, ESPN's Katie Strang reports.
Analysis: While official word has yet to come, it looks like Frans Nielsen has a pretty good chance to play in Saturday's Game 6 against the Pens.
News:Frans Nielsen (lower body) is a game-time decision for Saturday's Game 6 against the Penguins, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.
Analysis:Frans Nielsen took part in Saturday morning's optional skate, so that is a good sign that he may play Saturday. However, check back closer to faceoff to confirm his status.
News:Frans Nielsen is currently dealing with a minor lower-body injury, Arthur Staple of Newsday reports.
Analysis: The injury is not considered serious. Frans Nielsen is likely to give it a go in Saturday's Game 6 against the Penguins.
News:Frans Nielsen scored his sixth goal of the season in the Islanders' victory over Winnipeg on Saturday.
Analysis:Frans Nielsen may be miscast as a second line center, but his play with linemates Josh Bailey and Kyle Okposo are as big a reason as any why the Islanders have made their playoff push.
News:Frans Nielsen scored his fourth goal of the season in a 5-2 win over the Jets on Tuesday.
Analysis: The power-play goal came the day after he had two assists and was having his name mentioned in trade talks. Frans Nielsen is likely staying with the Islanders, as he is quite valuable to them, but this could be his last season as the second-line center; he's better suited to third-line action.
News: The Islanders have come out and stated that Frans Nielsen will not be traded, according to Newsday's Arthur Staple.
Analysis:Frans Nielsen's name has come up as a possible target for the Blackhawks but the Isles want to keep what is right now their second best center. Nielsen will never light up the scoreboard, but is very good on faceoffs and in his own end. He is miscast as a second line center and would be better off on the third line, and that should come as soon as next season when Anders Lee and Ryan Strome join the team full-time.
News:Frans Nielsen will play for Lukko in SM-Liiga (Finland), during the lockout, according to the Islanders Point Blank.
Analysis: Could be a family reunion for Frans as his brother Simon plays for the same team.
News:Frans Nielsen scored twice and added an assist in Tuesday's win over Pittsburgh, giving him six points in the last three games.
Analysis:Frans Nielsen fills a variety of roles for the Islanders, but has been scoring at a steadier pace the last three games. Nielsen has a respectable 42 points on the season with more than a third of them on the power play.
News:Frans Nielsen scored a goal and added an assist in Saturday's shootout win over Montreal. He also scored a goal in the shootout.
Analysis: He hadn't scored in his 12 previous games but this one will be remembered for a while -- it set a new career best (14). His scoring is down from his career best of last season (44) and it'll take a significant burst for him to climb from 36 over the next 10 outings.
News:Frans Nielsen snagged an assist in Tuesday's loss to Washington, his second point in four games.
Analysis:Frans Nielsen has 30 points in 63 games on the season, hardly gaudy numbers, but he is of use in deeper leagues due to his power-play time. Nielsen fills a variety of roles for the Islanders but can be productive in the right situation, just don't expect large numbers from the Danish pivot.
News:Frans Nielsen scored for the third time in four games, posting the Islanders' only goal in Tuesday's loss to Buffalo.
Analysis:Frans Nielsen has responded nicely for the Isles since inking a new contract last week and has been one of the team's more quietly productive players. Nielsen won't factor much into standard leagues, but deep leagues may find him useful due to his power-play time.
News:Frans Nielsen grabbed one of the Islanders' two shootout goals in Tuesday's 1-0 win over Philadelphia. He signed a four-year, $11 million contract extension on Tuesday as well, according to ESPN New York's Katie Strang.
Analysis:Frans Nielsen has been quietly productive for the Islanders and obviously has earned the faith of the team's front office, although four years is an awfully short time to commit to the Islaners, considering the contracts other players have signed. Nielsen is seeing time with the team's top power-play unit, and owns 25 points on the season in 51 games with 10 on the power play.
News:Frans Nielsen scored two goals and added an assist, all of which came in the first period, in the Islanders' 4-3 shootout loss to the Sabres on Saturday.
Analysis: The points snap a six-game drought for the little Dane and he has just five points in his last 12 games. He's just off his career pace from last season but his plus-minus (minus-5) is significantly off his plus-13 of last year. He's just not offering value right now, even in deep leagues. And especially not in head-to-head formats. Sit him if you own him.
News:Frans Nielsen scored the Islanders' only goal in a 5-1 loss to the Coyotes on Saturday.
Analysis: Don't look now but he has five points in his last five games and seven in eight. He's still a better checker than scorer but he is delivering deep league value right now.
News:Frans Nielsen posted a goal and an assist in Tuesday's win over Carolina, giving him four points in the last three games.
Analysis:Frans Nielsen has a goal and three helpers in the last three contests, all of which have been Islander wins. Don't expect stretches of productivity like this too often from Nielsen, as he is more valuable to the Islanders than most fantasy rosters.
News:Frans Nielsen posted a goal in Tuesday's loss to the Rangers, giving him four on the season.
Analysis: For one thought of as a defensive forward, Frans Nielsen is putting up some solid numbers with eight points in 15 games. The versatile veteran has five points in six November games and could be in a for a nice bump in value should he secure more offensive ice time.
News:Frans Nielsen doubled his season totals Saturday night with a three-point effort against Washington.
Analysis: He had a goal and two assists, and a plus-3 rating. And while he may have just six points this season, Frans Nielsen has delivered five points in his last four games. He's best known for his defensive prowess but he can actually play on any line. He's a guy to watch if opportunity knocks.
Nielsen Could See Power Play Time For The Islanders
News: The Islanders are contemplating using Frans Nielsen on the top power play line, according to Newsday.
Analysis:Frans Nielsen is one of the better players in the NHL that you have never heard of, his value to the Isles is immense as he is a very good defensive forward and a must on the penalty kill. What the Isles have to worry about is overextending him Nielsen, although he might produce on the power play, they don't want to tire him out and lose what he gives them on the penalty kill.
News:Frans Nielsen would like to sign a long-term contract with the Islanders, according to Newsday.
Analysis:Frans Nielsen is in the last year of his contract that pays him $525,000 a season and will be due a significant raise. Nielsen is the kind of player NHL teams covet, a smart, defensively adept center who can excel on the penalty kill. The Isles have plenty of room under the cap, so it would seem likely that he re-signs, but one can never tell with this organization.
News: Nielsen (concussion) is still experiencing headaches, according to Newsday.
Analysis: Concussions are always a concern as the symptoms can linger for what seems like forever, but with the Islanders' season over, Nielsen has six months to recover.
News: Nielsen (concussion) will miss the rest of the season, the Islanders' official site reports.
Analysis: This had been the general consensus for a while now, but the team didn't make it official until Tuesday. The Islanders have just three games remaining.
News: Nielsen (concussion) did not practice Monday and is doubtful for Wednesday's game against Boston, Newsday's John Jeansonne reports.
Analysis: Conventional thought has Nielsen missing the rest of the season, but the Islanders have yet to make an official announcement.
News: Nielsen (concussion) won't play Saturday, Katie Strang of NY Newsday reports.
Analysis: Although he's technically day-to-day, the Isles are playing out the string and it's likely that Nielsen's season is over.
News: Nielsen (concussion) is considered day to day, according to Newsday's Katie Strang.
Analysis: The Islanders only have four games remaining in the season so there is little reason to believe they will rush Nielsen back. He has probably played his last game until October.
News: Nielsen left the game Thursday after being boarded, according to Newsday.
Analysis: Nielsen took a hit from Marian Gaborik of the Rangers that drew a two-minute penalty for boarding. Nielsen appeared dazed as he left the ice and did not return to the game.
News: Nielsen scored both of the Islanders' goals in a 3-2 loss to the Devils on Wednesday night.
Analysis: The woefully underrated center is having a breakout year as he now has 13 goals and 44 assists on the season, both career highs. The fact that he's also a plus-14 on a dreadful Islanders squad speaks volumes.
News: Nielsen played 16:27 in his return to the ice Thursday, finishing minus-1 with two shots on goal in a loss to Washington.
Analysis: He'd been out since Jan. 3. Nielsen's half-point-per-game pace plays in deeper leagues, but he still needs to become more proactive on the offensive end.
News: Nielsen (groin) will play in Thursday's game against the Caps, the Islanders' official site reports.
Analysis: This will be Nielsen's first game since Jan. 3. Overall, he has 19 points and 18 PIMs in 37 games, numbers that put him on the fantasy bubble.
News: Nielsen hopes to make his return against the Caps Thursday from a groin injury has kept him out since January 3, the Islanders' official site reports.
Analysis: The Isles have sent Jesse Joensuu back to AHL Bridgeport, which provides a circumstantial hint that Nielsen is on track to play Thursday, since the move leaves the team with just 11 healthy forwards.
News: Nielsen (groin) suffered a setback while skating Thursday, according to Newsday's Katie Strang.
Analysis: Nielsen felt a pinch in his injured groin during the morning skate Thursday. He is not expected to return to the lineup until late next week at this moment in time.
News: Nielsen (groin strain) will miss his sixth straight game Saturday against Buffalo, Newsday's Katie Strang reports.
Analysis: Nielsen will remain in the day-to-day category heading into Monday's game against New Jersey.
News: Nielsen (groin) will not play Thursday against the Senators, the Islanders' official site reports.
Analysis: Nielsen remains in the day-to-day category hading into the Isles' next contest after Thursday, which comes Saturday against Buffalo.
News: Nielsen (groin) missed Tuesday's game against Vancouver.
Analysis: Nielsen remains day-to-day. He may be ready to go for the Isles' next game, which is Thursday.
News: Nielsen (groin) is doubtful to play Tuesday versus Vancouver, according to Newsday's Katie Strang.
Analysis: Apparently the injury is a bit more severe than first thought as the Isles thought Nielsen might be able to play last Sunday but held him out as a precaution to give him a few days more rest. Hopefully Nielsen will be able to get back into game action when the Isles play next, which is Thursday.
News: Nielsen (groin) won't play Sunday against Chicago, the Islanders' official site reports.
Analysis: With 19 points in 37 games to date, Nielsen's playing status is only of relevance in deeper leagues.
News: Nielsen (groin) could play Sunday versus Chicago, according to Newsday's Katie Strang.
Analysis: Nielsen has missed a couple of games now due to the injury, but Islanders coach Jack Capuano stated that he is 50/50 to play Sunday and will be a game-time decision.
News: Nielsen (groin) will not play Saturday against Colorado, the Islanders' official site reports.
Analysis: Nielsen will miss his second consecutive game, with Trevor Gillies likely taking his place in the lineup.
News: Nielson (groin) will not play Thursday against the Oilers, Newsday's Katie Strang reports.
Analysis: Nielsen participated in the morning skate, so he's probably not far away from a return, but he'll miss at least one game. Trevor Gillies will replace him in the lineup.
News: Nielsen (groin) did not practice Wednesday, according to Newsday.
Analysis: Nielsen suffered the groin strain during Monday's game and is questionable to play versus Edmonton on Thursday.
News: Nielsen suffered a groin injury versus Calgary on Monday, according to Newsday.
Analysis: Twas a night of groin injuries for the Islanders as Nielsen and Rick DiPietro both left the game due to them. The Islanders will have a timetable for their return sometime Tuesday.
News: Nielsen has recorded only one point in the last seven games, despite being tied for fourth on the team with nine points.
Analysis: Nielsen has played in all 20 of the team's games but has failed to make a significant impression to this point.
News: Nielsen (groin) returned to practice Tuesday, according to the Newsday.
Analysis: With Kyle Okposo out for 2-3 months, there is room for Nielsen to play on the second line if he justifies that sort of promotion during the pre-season.
News: Nielsen (groin/hip flexor) didn't skate Monday, according to Newsday.
Analysis: Nielsen has some upside, but he is not better than a reserve or waiver wire pickup in most fantasy leagues.
News: Islanders C Frans Nielsen picked up his second goal in the last three games when he lit the lamp in Wednesday's loss to the Penguins.
Analysis: Nielsen is averaging a point in every other game this season, which isn't exactly a super scoring rate for a center. He remains a low-end option in only the deepest of leagues.
News: Islanders C Frans Nielsen scored for the first time in 13 games Saturday as New York fell to Carolina.
Analysis: Nielsen is up to 26 points on the season, which is seven behind his total of 33 from last campaign. Nielsen remains a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Islanders C Frans Nielsen tallied an assist and finished at plus-2 on Monday against the Devils. He has one goal and six assists in his last seven games.
Analysis: The Islanders have found a formula that works on offense and it involves Nielsen as the team's second line center behind John Tavares. Nielsen has shown he can be an effective offensive force when healthy, but every time he seems to get on a roll, he suffers a freak injury. Nielsen remains a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Islanders C Frans Nielsen picked up a hat trick of assists in Saturday's win over the Thrashers.
Analysis: Nielsen is a solid presence up the middle of the ice for New York, but he often plays behind Josh Bailey and John Tavares. He has been a good scoring presence when he has been on the ice the last two seasons, but Nielsen just doesn't produce enough to be considered anything more than a low-end Fantasy flier in the deepest of formats.
News: Islanders C Frans Nielsen scored a goal, tallied an assist and finished at plus-2 on Thursday against the Rangers. Nielsen capped the scoring when he beat Henrik Lundqvist at 15:14 of the third period. It was his fifth goal and second in four games.
Analysis: Nielsen is a solid presence up the middle of the ice for New York, but he often plays behind Josh Bailey and John Tavares. He has been a good scoring presence when he has been on the ice the last two seasons, but Nielsen just doesn't produce enough to be considered anything more than a low-end Fantasy flier in the deepest of formats.
News: Islanders C Frans Nielsen was active on Thursday against the Thrashers leaving Saturday's game with an upper-body injury. He had no points in 14:34 of ice time and finished at even.
Analysis: Nielsen has managed 10 points and a plus-5 rating in 22 games this season. He has 43 points in 81 games dating back to last season, but injuries continue to be a big hurdle for the young center. Nielsen is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy flier when healthy. If he can ever stay on the ice for a long period of time that might change.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Islanders C Frans Nielsen, who missed the first six games of the season following knee surgery, left Saturday's game against the Devils with what the Islanders described as an upper-body injury. He had no points in 1:53 of ice time.
Analysis: Nielsen has managed 10 points and a plus-5 rating in 21 games this season. He has 43 points in 80 games dating back to last season, but injuries continue to be a big hurdle for the young center. Nielsen is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy flier when healthy. If he can ever stay on the ice for a long period of time that might change.
News: Islanders C Frans Nielsen scored his first two goals of the season and finished at plus-2 during Friday's game against the Capitals. New York took a 2-1 lead after the Capitals' Mike Green whiffed on a pass in front of his own net, losing the puck. That allowed Nielsen to recover it and score for a 2-1 lead at 7:12 of the second period. Nielsen scored his second goal -- to tie it at 3 -- 17:50 into the second. It was the first two-goal game of his career.
Analysis: Nielsen's season started just six games ago since he started the year on IR following knee surgery. He has three points on the season and hasn't had any setbacks. Nielsen has had trouble staying healthy since last season and it has cut into his ability to make an impact. Nielsen is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy reserve.
News: Islanders C Frans Nielsen made his season debut Wednesday against the Hurricanes after starting the season on injured reserve because of knee surgery. Nielsen had no points in 12:44 of ice time but did score in the shootout.
Analysis: Unfortunately for Nielsen, he will have to open the season as a lower-line center since Josh Bailey and John Tavares are holding down the top two lines. Nielsen has had trouble staying healthy since last season and it has cut into his ability to make an impact. Nielsen is nothing more than a low-end Fantasy reserve.
News: NHL.com reports that Islanders C Frans Nielsen (knee surgery) could return to action this week.
Analysis: Nielsen has a chance to be on the scoring lines once he does return, but won't be worth adding in Fantasy play until he can prove to be a consistent contributor. Just keep an eye on him in deeper leagues.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Islanders C Frans Nielsen underwent surgery on his right knee Sept. 18 and is expected back in late October.
Analysis: Nielsen had 33 points (nine goals) in 59 games last season. It was his first full season in the NHL. Nielsen also dealt with some injury issues last year, so he is starting to develop into an injury-risk option. Nielsen is merely a low-end Fantasy option when healthy.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Islanders C Frans Nielsen had a team-high five shots and scored the team's lone goal Thursday against the Penguins, giving him 12 points (six goals) in last 14 games.
Analysis: Nielsen has played his best hockey as of late and it has been a direct result of finally meshing with players he skated alongside in the minors. Nielsen has a very good chance of opening the 2009-10 season with New York and possibly being a top-six forward. Still, he will have low-end Fantasy appeal on Draft Day.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Islanders C Frans Nielsen scored once and assisted on another during Wednesday's game against the Capitals. He has 11 points in his last 10 appearances.
Analysis: Nielsen has really clicked over the last few weeks playing alongside Jeff Tambellini and Kyle Okposo, two players he worked with in the minors. It has put Nielsen into a comfort level and has made him a viable low-end Fantasy forward.
News:Frans Nielsen and Josh Bailey scored goals in the lowly New York Islanders' 2-0 victory over the Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings on Friday night. Nielsen opened the scoring with a short-handed goal 8:41 into the second period. After taking a pass from Kyle Okposo, Nielsen cut in off the right wing, made a move and beat Chris Osgood for his seventh goal of the season.
Analysis: Nielsen has four goals and five assists in his last 10 games. Nielsen has shown some success in the minors, but hasn't had a very good run as a pro -- until now. He is benefiting from extra playing time down the stretch and looks like one of the Islanders' best offensive players. He remains a low-end Fantasy forward for the lowly Islanders, but is doing well to prove he belongs on the NHL level.
News: Islanders C Frans Nielsen scored a goal and tallied an assist during Friday's game against the Hurricanes. Nielsen started the second-period surge for the Islanders, taking a loose puck off Cam Ward's pads and scoring at 2:30. He has three goals and three assists during a five-game point streak.
Analysis: Nielsen has shown some success in the minors, but hasn't had a very good run as a pro. He was getting hot earlier in the season before a trip to IR got him off track. Nielsen is finally getting more playing time down the stretch and producing. Still, he has low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Islanders C Frans Nielsen scored his first goal in 20 games Monday as New York defeated the Penguins in a shootout. Nielsen also assisted in the victory.
Analysis: The 24-year-old Nielsen has been seeing more of the ice lately for the Isles, but he hasn't turned that into more points. New York has made a commitment to getting some of their younger talent more playing time, but the Dane remains a low-end Fantasy option until the points really start to pour in.
News: Islanders C Frans Nielsen tallied an assist and finished at plus-1 in 15:43 of ice time Tuesday against the Lightning. He has five assists in his last five games.
Analysis: Nielsen has totaled 12 points in his last 18 games, dating back to before missing 23 games with multiple leg injuries. It seems he is finally back at 100 percent. New York has made a commitment to getting some of their younger talent more playing time in the second half. Nielsen is among that group, but remains a low-end Fantasy option until the points really start to pour in.
News: Islanders C Frans Nielsen tallied a pair of assists and finished at plus-1 Wednesday against the Ducks. He has three assists in his last two games after getting no points in his previous four.
Analysis: Nielsen has totaled 10 points in his last 15 games, dating back to before missing 23 games with multiple leg injuries. It seems he is finally back at 100 percent. New York has made a commitment to getting some of their younger talent more playing time in the second half. Nielsen is among that group, but remains a low-end Fantasy option until the points really start to pour in.
News: Islanders C Frans Nielsen returned to the lineup Tuesday against the Rangers after missing 23 games after sustaining multiple leg injuries on Nov. 21 at New Jersey. He didn't have a point in 15:42 of ice time and spent two minutes in the penalty box.
Analysis: Nielsen was playing well before the injury, so hopefully he can find his rhythm again in the second half. Nielsen has little Fantasy value until he starts to heat up.
News: The Islanders recalled C Jeremy Colliton from Bridgeport of the AHL. Colliton replaced Frans Nielsen, who sustained head and leg injuries Friday when elbowed by Devils defenseman Mike Mottau. Nielsen is expected to miss eight to 12 weeks due to multiple injuries to his right leg. He didn't suffer a concussion.
Analysis: Nielsen has seven points in 10 November games after getting just two points in nine October outings. He is still nothing more than a low-end Fantasy reserve and should not be owned during his time shelved due to injury.
News: Islanders C Frans Nielsen, who injured his head and leg in when he was hit hard by Devils player Mike Mottau on Friday, could not play in Saturday's game against the Sabres. He is questionable for Monday at Montreal.
Analysis: Nielsen has seven points in 10 November games after getting just two points in nine October outings. He is still nothing more than a low-end Fantasy reserve, but hopefully this incident doesn't set him back deep into Week 8 (Nov. 24-30).
News: More than losing the game 5-2 Friday against the Devils, the Islanders were upset by the big hit by Devils defenseman Mike Mottau on Frans Nielsen early in the third period. Mottau came across, catching Neilsen with an elbow that laid out the forward. Nielsen had to be helped off the ice with head and leg injuries. New York captain Bill Guerin compared it to the elbow by Islanders defenseman Thomas Pock on Ottawa's Ryan Shannon. Pock is currently serving a five-game suspension for the hit. "I know it was to the head," Guerin said. "I know Mike Mottau. He's not a dirty player, but it was a dirty hit. Thomas Pock is not a dirty player, but he had a dirty hit against Ottawa and he paid for it."
Analysis: The injuries comes at a bad time for Nielsen, who finally appeared to grasp the NHL game. He has seven points in 10 November games after getting just two points in nine October outings. He is still nothing more than a low-end Fantasy reserve, but hopefully this incident doesn't set him back.
News:Roberto Luongo made 34 saves, but couldn't stop Frans Nielsen in a shootout as the New York Islanders beat the Vancouver Canucks 2-1 Monday night for their season-best third consecutive victory. Nielsen, who also had an assist in regulation, scored on the first shot of the tiebreaker, and Joey MacDonald turned aside all three Vancouver shooters -- ending the game with a poke check against Alex Burrows.
Analysis: Nielsen has an assist in back-to-back games and nine points in 18 contests. Nielsen has always been one of those players that was too good for the minors, but could never get it done in the pros. He is trying to reverse that trend. Nielsen still has a long ways to go to becoming Fantasy viable, so he remains just a low-end Fantasy reserve at this time.
News: Islanders C Frans Nielsen tallied a goal and an assist during Thursday's 4-3 loss to the Thrashers. Nielsen's second goal this season, a tip-in from the right side of the crease, gave the Islanders a 2-1 lead 9:40 into the second. He now has two goals and three assists in his last four games.
Analysis: Nielsen had just two assists in 10 October games and now has five points with two 1-and-1 games in four November outings. He has really stepped up his game lately, but Nielsen doesn't have a very good track record and remains just a low-end Fantasy option at this time.
News: Islanders C Frans Nielsen scored and assisted in Saturday's loss to the Canadiens, doubling his point total on the season.
Analysis: Nielsen is a third-line forward with the Isles and has no Fantasy value at this time.
News: The New York Post reports that Islanders coach Scott Gordon will switch up his lines for Thursday's game at the Flyers. RW Kyle Okposo will drop down to a line with RW Trent Hunter and C Frans Nielsen, while LW Jon Sim will skate with C Mike Comrie and C Andy Hilbert.
Analysis: While Hunter is playing well this season with four goals already, this move takes some of the shine off Okposo's value, as he was previously playing on the top line with Richard Park and Mike Comrie. No one else's value really changes, as all of these other guys have minimal Fantasy value as bench guys in deeper leagues anyway.
News:Trent Hunter scored his second goal of the game 51 seconds into overtime, leading the New York Islanders to a 4-3 win over the Lightning on Thursday. Tampa Bay goalie Olaf Kolzig misplayed the puck behind the net, which allowed Frans Nielsen to gain control and feed Hunter, who was alone in front of the goal. Hunter credited Nielsen for the game-winner. "He made a great play to pick off the pass, and I was just kind of waiting in the slot," Hunter said. "He made a good pass, and I was just able to one-touch it in."
Analysis: Nielsen had a pair of assists Thursday, his first points in four games. He is currently centering the third line and getting every chance to stay with the Islanders in 2008-09. Still, Nielsen is more of a Fantasy reserve at this time.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Islanders C Mike Sillinger, whose career began in 1990, has been slow to recover from hip surgery and figures to open the season on the injured list. Projected fourth-line center Frans Nielsen likely would replace him on the checking unit.
Analysis: Nielsen signed a four-year contract in the offseason, so the Islanders are intent on making him part of their long-term plans. In 16 games with the Islanders last season, Nielsen had two goals and one assist. He has three goals and two assists in 31 career NHL games. He was originally drafted by the Islanders in the third round (87th overall) of the 2002 draft. Nielsen has little to no Fantasy value heading into 2008-09.
News: Danish C Frans Nielsen agreed to a four-year, $2.1 million contract with the New York Islanders on Saturday. "We're excited to have Frans locked up for the next four years," Islanders general manager Garth Snow said. Nielsen, the first Danish citizen to play in the NHL during the 2006-07 season, split last season between the Islanders and the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League.
Analysis: In 16 games with the Islanders last season, Nielsen had two goals and one assist and he has three goals and two assists in 31 career NHL games. He was originally drafted by the Islanders in the third round (87th overall) of the 2002 draft. He has no Fantasy value at this time.
News: Back from a shoulder injury, Frans Nielsen scored his second goal of the season for the Islanders, who lost a 4-3 shootout to the Philadelphia Flyers. Nielsen played 20 shifts and 13 minutes.
Analysis: Nielsen has no Fantasy value at this stage of the season.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Islanders C Frans Nielsen is expected to be sidelined 2-4 with a shoulder injury, the team announced. C Jeremy Colliton was recalled Saturday from AHL Bridgeport.
Analysis: Nielsen managed just one goal and one assist in 12 games with New York before going down with the shoulder injury. The Islanders recalled Nielsen to make Jeff Tambellini feel more comfortable in the NHL. The two were a dynamite pair at Bridgeport, but have struggled to connect with the Islanders. Nielsen remains a poor Fantasy option when healthy.
News:The Sports Xchange reports C Frans Nielsen's assist on Ruslan Fedotenko's goal Saturday against the Devils was his first point in 10 games since he was recalled from AHL Bridgeport on Feb. 4.
Analysis: The Islanders recalled Nielsen to make Jeff Tambellini feel more comfortable in the NHL. The two were a dynamite pair at Bridgeport, but have struggled to connect with the Islanders. Nielsen remains a poor Fantasy option at this time.
News: NHL.com reports that the Islanders sent RW Tim Jackman to Bridgeport of the AHL Monday, while recalling LW Jeff Tambellini and center Frans Nielsen. Kip Brennan was also recalled to practice with the team Monday as Richard Park was out with the flu. However, head coach Ted Nolan is confident that Park will play Tuesday against the Ducks.
Analysis: Nielsen made his debut last season with the Isles, appearing in 15 games and recording two points (one goal). "Jeff has been with this organization for three years now, so he knows what he has to do when he's up here," said Nolan. "He's now more comfortable with everyone and it should help that he'll be on a line with Frans. Jeff has proven he can perform in the AHL, so hopefully he can gain that same confidence up here. He needs to take that last step and grab a hold of it." Nielsen will likely center a lower line for the Islanders at this time, and has little to no Fantasy value until he starts producing.
News: Score one for the NHL's sole Danish player. Frans Nielsen's first NHL goal turned out to be the game winner and the Islanders defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 on Saturday. "I couldn't believe it when it went in," said Nielsen, the first NHL player from Denmark. "It'll be big in Denmark." He also had an assist in the game. It was his first points as a NHL pro.
Analysis: Nielsen was recalled from the AHL earlier this month, but Saturday was the first time he really made an impression. He should only be used in the largest Fantasy leagues at this time.
News: Frans Nielsen was recalled from Bridgeport of the AHL on Thursday to replace the injured Shawn Bates (lower body) in the lineup at Atlanta.
Analysis: Nielsen is not a recommended option in Fantasy Hockey.
News: Islanders rookie C Frans Nielsen was returned to AHL Bridgeport on Saturday.
Analysis: Nielsen should be cut in all Fantasy leagues at this time.
News: New York Newsday reports Shawn Bates will miss a second straight game on Tuesday against the Rangers due to a hand injury.
Analysis: Bates will be replaced in the lineup by Frans Nielsen. He was recalled from Bridgeport of the AHL and will serve as a replacement until the Islanders get healthy. No Fantasy value here.
