Monday, March 30, 2009

Prospect Watch: Max Gratchev

Here is a good report on Maxim Gratchev

Scouts like the skill and gumption of Gratchev, who missed being draft eligible last year by 11 days.

"He's a fireball," a scout said. "He's not a great skater, but he's quick from the faceoff circle to the net."

Islanders QMJHL Scout Mario Saraceno:

He's a high-energy and intense player, who can play on either wing. He's a guy with flare. Max is a player who never takes a shift off and has good skating ability.
Max is effective on the power play, but can also kill penalties.
I can see him one day suiting up for the Islanders. (from nyi.com)

Central Scouting Report:
A hard working forward with a good two-way game… has good speed and creates chances with his tenacity… carries the puck with confidence and has quick feet… needs to make better decisions with his passes and improve his on-ice awareness.

Scouting Report: Highly skilled winger, with extremely good offensive instructs. He seems to be a step ahead with his vision/decision making which gives him a good passing game. Has a tremendous nose for the net. Has an accurate shot, to go along with a very quick release. Two attributes that are needed to score at the next level. His size, strength and d-zone play are still areas of concern. Has an accurate shot, to go along with a very quick release. Two attributes that are needed to score at the next level.

NHL Potential: 2nd Line scoring Winger; quick feet and hands make him dangerous around net.

Style compares to: Ales Kotalik.

Stats for this year:

GP G A Pts
64 30 31 61

My opinion is that he'll be in Bridgeport soon, but it may take Maxim 2 or 3 years to make it to the Islanders squad. But a good draft pick from Snow.


Thursday, March 12, 2009

Prospect Watch: Matt Donovan


Position: Defenseman Shoots: Left
Height: 6' 0" Weight: 185
Born: May 09 '90 (Age 19) Phonetic: DAWN-uh-vuhn




UPDATE 2.13.10
Donovan's collegiate career has gotten off to an impressive start. The freshman blueliner is Denver's second-highest scoring defenseman with four goals and 12 assists in 23 games. He is currently two points shy of Pioneers' defensive point leader Patrick Wiercioch (OTT) despite playing in three fewer games.

The Islanders may have gotten a real gem out of Donovan. His improved play has been noticed not only by the Islanders, but by the Kings as well. Donovan is around 3 years away from playing in the NHL, but make no mistake, many people are talking about this kid being on Long Island. His skating needs improvement, but he still has time to develop.

Statistics for this year:

2009-10 U. of Denver NCAA 29 6 12 18

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Prospect Watch: Justin DiBenedetto


Local fans who watch Justin on a regular basis, gave their opinions of him, and this is what they were saying:

"He is a finisher. Looks great with a guy that can get him the puck and is very quick with a nice shot. Him and Stamkos had a lot of chemistry. It will be interesting to see him this season."

"Dibenedetto had an amazing year. He had 93 points i believe. He also played with Stamkos but Dibo set up a hell of a lot of goals. His passes are tape to tape and if he has a solid linemate with him they can work magic together. He see's the ice well and can make some pretty sick moves himself. I believe he has helped make Stamkos a better player and Stamkos has helped dibo be a better player."

"Has great offensive instincts his passing and shot accuracy as well as velocity is good, he doesnt have the speed that most skilled players have at his size which is pretty much all that kept him from being picked during his draft year, his skating is getting better and he's been an impact player at the OHL level, he's responsible defensively, and if he can get stronger legs and maybe alittle stronger overall he could be an offensive contributer one day at the NHL level.

Justins statistics as of 3.10.09
Team GP G A Pts +/- Pim

2008-09 Regular Season Sarnia Sting 59 44 45 89 18 85

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Geurin To Pitt?


According to Greg Logan of Newsday, there are several teams interested in Geurin. They include the following: Devils, Buffalo, Carolina, Pittsburgh, Montreal, Philadelphia and yes, Boston.

Logan goes on to mention the team that he is guessing that gets Geurin is Pittsburgh. I've said this before, as of last week, Geurin was not going to waive his no-trade clause. The simple fact that we'll get something for him is a bonus in case we cannot trade Weight.

Sim Placed On Waivers Again


According to Newsday, the Islanders have placed Jon Sim on waivers.

I think he'll clear waivers, and may be claimed during the reentry waivers before the rangers game on Thursday. The Islanders have enough cap space, so this is not making room for a bigger deal. Logan has suggested that this could be an unhappy veteran purge.

I think it's a shame he's not going to be here next year. I liked his hustle and he has been a professional the entire year. More to come.

Monday, March 02, 2009

Isles Beat Avs 4-2 Highlights

No Deal Yet

Well this is what happens when everyone waits for a trade. They waste a day or two and then get frustrated nothing happened. That's why they're called rumors folks.

All veterans except maybe Hunter and Park are on the block. Most will be traded by March 4th. stay tuned.