How the D stacks up

Locks: Brendan Witt, Andy Sutton, Radek Martinek, Marc-Andre Bergeron.

If Bryan Berard proves he's healthy, count on him making the team. The team has a need for a dman with his speed and playmaking ability.

That means Bruno Gervais, Freddy Meyer and Chris Campoli could be in for a battle royale for two spots. It's worth noting Gervais is the only one of the three on a two-way contract, although I doubt that will figure in Ted Nolan's decision.

Don't count out Aaron Johnson. Howard Dolgon -- former PR exec who did so well he bought the Syracuse Crunch -- raves about the kid's ability and character.

During camp, you'll hear plenty of chatter about how the Islanders have too many bodies on the blue line and how a trade must be in the offing. Fact is, in the NHL you can never have enough. When you consider my guy Marti has been banged up the last two seasons and Sutton has a rep for throwing himself in front of every opponent and every shot, a little depth could go a long way.