Training Camp Invites: Top 4 Candidates

Last summer, Islanders GM Garth Snow sent out a blanket invite to any players interested in coming to Long Island on a training camp tryout.

Without the same constraints as last year (remember those God-awful split-squad games?) Snow can afford to be more selective this September.

In the next week or so, expect Snow to extend invites to a handful of veterans that remain unsigned. 

Below is a list of the most likely candidates:

1. Bryan McCabe-- Snow has said he likes what newly-acquired Brian Rolston brings to the power play, but it wouldn't hurt to add another big shot from the point in McCabe. The 36-year-old veteran would also add depth and experience to the Islanders' back end. McCabe, who was drafted by the Islanders in 1993, still keeps a home on Long Island as well.

2. Sergei Samsonov-- Small but skilled, Samsonov played all but four games last season, during which he was dealt to Florida from Carolina at the deadline. The 32-year-old Russian winger finished the season with a solid 40-point effort playing on two non-playoff teams, scoring 13 goals and adding 27 assists. 

3. Jay Pandolfo-- The 6-1, 36-year-old winger spent his entire NHL career with New Jersey before being bought out by the Devils last summer. After signing a PTO in November, Pandolfo played 12 games with the Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League last season.

4. Chris Clark-- Another hard-working, high-character veteran looking for work, Clark could find some traction with a training camp invite. The former Capitals captain was traded along with Milan Jurcina to Columbus in 2009 and had a disappointing year with the Blue Jackets last season (5 goals, 10 assists), but could stick on as a depth forward with leadership skills and experience.