Islanders win; Sutton says he would like to come back

Despite being traded to playoff-bound Ottawa last month, defenseman Andy Sutton said he wouldn't rule out a return to Long Island next season.

"Absolutely not. I love the direction the team is going, I love the guys and it's a great organization, so I definitely wouldn't rule that out," Sutton said before the Islanders' 4-1 win over the Senators Saturday at Nassau Coliseum.

Facing his former team for the first time since being shipped to the Senators in exchange for a second-round pick, Sutton said he is encouraged by the Islanders' improvement over last season and the strong chemistry forged while he was with them.

The 6-6, 245-pounder will become an unrestricted free agent in July and could serve the team's undeniable need to bolster its blue line with size and physicality. Although his age, history of injuries and price tag could be prohibitive, he has at least considered the possibility.

And even with the Islanders all but eliminated from playoff contention, rejoining his old team holds some appeal.

"The Islanders are totally going in the right direction," the 35-year-old said. "They're people that care about each other and they have a lot of young, talented guys. I've never played on a team where there are so many guys that really care about each other. I think it's a tribute to the type of people they bring to this organization."

Sutton didn't show as much love to his former teammates during the third period, however, when he took several jabs at the head of Jon Sim and wrapped Frans Nielsen in a bear hug before leaving the game at 7:11 with two minor penalties and a 10-minute misconduct.

"That's what [Sim] does. He was doing his thing, and I didn't like it," Sutton said.

But before the Islanders rolled to their fourth win in five games and snapped the Senators' winning streak at six games, Sutton said the Islanders are on the threshold of becoming a playoff team.

"Not very far. I think they're really close," Sutton said. "If you truly care about each other, you can have a great team. You want to buy in and do well for the guy sitting next to you. That's step one, in my opinion."

Helping the Islanders make the playoffs is something Sutton wishes he could have been a part of.

"I had a wonderful time here, met some amazing people,'' he said, "and hopefully I led by example and left a positive mark on the team and the organization."

The Islanders continue to make a positive impression at the end of the season. Martin Biron made 28 saves, John Tavares (his 22nd), Dylan Reese and Jack Hillen scored second-period goals, and Sean Bergenheim added another goal in the final period. Blake Comeau and Richard Park each had two assists.

Regardless of whether he gets a second chance to make an impact with the Islanders, Sutton now has the opportunity to play in the postseason with his new team. Before landing with Ottawa, Sutton had played in only four playoff games in his 11-season career.

"It's nice to know we're going to have the chance to win the Stanley Cup,'' Sutton said. "That's pretty exciting."

Notes & quotes: Bruno Gervais (groin) did not play. Coach Scott Gordon said he expects Gervais to return before the season ends.