Draft Preview

Coming up in the next two weeks I'll be previewing the possible future prospects of the New York Islanders and I'll predict who I think they will be drafting. For starters, the first overall pick will be either Tavares or Hedman. I would like Tavares, but I'll predict who I think the Islanders later on. I will also go through the other picks and some prospects in that area. Who do you want first overall?

Prospect Watch: Jason Gregoire

UPDATE 2.13.10

Gregoire got his collegiate career off to a great start last year, and has continued playing well into the 2009-10 season. The 5’11, 175 lb left winger is currently North Dakota’s leading scorer with 13 goals and 11 assists in 29 games. He's gone back to having more goals than assists, as he did in junior.

"It gets tougher and tougher [to score in] every league," he told Hockey's Future in January. "It's good to be back to my old ways as you say. It takes a little time to get used to college hockey, it's a real good league and a lot of good players. To be scoring means a lot."

The Islanders may want to keep Gregoire at UND for at least another season to get stronger.

Third round pick (76th overall) in the 2007 NHL Draft.
Found some great stuff on Islesinfo about Gregoire. He's projected to be close to a 2nd or third liner, with not having one good aspect but all together a lot of small aspects to his game. He is currently in North Dakota, so there is no need to rush his progress. Look for him to be in Bridgeport around 2-3 years.

Islanders Minnesota Scout Jim Hillman: Jason has deceiving speed and is good around the net. He takes advantage of his opportunities because of his quick hands. I got a chance to see him play with Lincoln of the USHL and he was effective at winning the one-on-one battles at both ends of the ice. I didn't expect him to be available this late in the draft. (from nyi.com)

Islanders Director of Pro Scouting & USHL Scout Ken Morrow: In two of the games I saw Jason, he had hat tricks, so he has some goal scoring ability. He was a very smart player and good around the net. What I liked best about Jason was that he came on at the end of the season, and consistently got better as the season progressed. Scouting the amateurs is a whole different ballgame than watching the pros. These are guys, who we might not see play for the Islanders for another five or six years, but this kid stuck out in my mind. (from nyi.com)

His stats so far this year 2010:

2006-07 Lincoln Stars USHL 32 16 20 36
2007-08 Lincoln Stars USHL 54 37 32 69
2008-09 U. of North Dakota NCAA 42 12 17 29
2009-10 U. of North Dakota NCAA 34 15 12 27

MSG's Gut Feeling

According to MSG's Stan Fischler, Victor Hedman will be chosen by the New York Islanders, stating that Snow is envisioning the next Denis Potvin.

Just when we had heard it from the Toronto media, now MSG steps in. I still believe that Tavares will be an Islander. He's too promising both in the short and long term. But I'll delve more into that as the draft gets closer. Comments?

Why Fans Should Take a Lesson From Snow

This entry is for the fans who have not had a great experience when it comes to the Islanders drafting quality players in the first round. This team was originally built through the draft, especially the first round picks. There are numerous reasons why this team has struggled over the years, but many just want to blame Mike Milbury, and the owners before Charles Wang. Some of you want to blame Wang, and the inexperience of Snow as a GM. If you really want to analyze the beginnings of the poor performances of this franchise, look no further than the architect himself, Bill Torrey.

Bill Torrey’s tenure has been well documented with the drafting he did to build the Islanders into a dynasty. However, there may only be a handful of older fans who will remember the following people that were drafted with the Islanders pick in the first round: Brad Dalgarno, Derek King, Tom Fitzgerald, and Scott Lachance. Those four players were the only ones drafted in the first round to make ANY kind of impact for the Islanders between 1984 and 1991. That’s almost 8 straight years of okay to poor drafting by Torrey. The only success the Islanders had between those years was the 1988 division title. While the Dynasty players were getting older and being waived, retired, or traded, Torrey couldn’t replenish the talent pool with the first rounder’s, which set the Islanders up for more losses in the near future. So while Torrey should be honored for his early works, fans should also note his work after the Cups.

Torrey was replaced by former Ranger Don Maloney in 1992 and remained at his post until 1995. Many fans cringed by this thought, but for the four years he was in charge of the draft, he did collect a good brand of first rounder’s: Kasparitis in 92, Bertuzzi in 93, (Brett) Lindros in 94, and Wade Redden in 95. Lindros will always be an incomplete grade because of the numerous head injuries he suffered that ended his career prematurely, but Kasparitis went on to have a memorable career, and the others are still playing…… just not for the Islanders. Unfortunately, Maloney (in my opinion) was trade happy, and ended up trading Pierre Turgeon for Kirk Muller, and thus the beginning of the end for Maloney. Maloney would go on to trade many of the core players of the 93 squad, and others tested free agency, thus leaving the Islanders with a very young, and inexperienced team.

This brings us to “Mad” Mike Milbury. I’m not even going to go down the list of players. All of you know the stories, and many continue to talk or write about him, but I’m going to say this about Milbury, he was a bad mix between Torrey and Maloney. Milbury drafted okay, but if they had potential, they were traded before they could prove themselves to him. In the 11 years that Milbury was General Manager, he had a few good choices with the first round pick, but some were horrible. The good ones would be Tim Connelly, Raffi Torres, Roberto Luongo, Eric Brewer, Taylor Pyatt, Rick DiPietro, Sean Bergenheim, and J.P Dumont. That’s eight out of fourteen players that were drafted in the first round by Milbury, and are having decent careers in the NHL. Out of the eight mentioned only Connelly, DiPietro, Bergenheim, and Brewer played more than 80 games for the Islanders. That’s four players in the last 11 years to have ANY impact for this once proud franchise that use to thrive on drafting, developing, and winning with good players.

So now fans we have Garth Snow (Neil Smith was there for too short of a time. He’s more of a footnote. If anyone gets credit for drafting Okposo, give it to assistant GM Ryan Jankowski). Former goaltender turned General Manager. What has he done? Traded down from 5^th to 7^th to 9^th for a player they wanted all along in Josh Bailey in last years draft. Snow received a slew of extra picks to help replenish the organization, which was bone dry with talent, and now has the first overall pick in this upcoming draft, along with multiple picks in each of the first three rounds. People are already threatening to not sign up for season tickets if John Tavares is not drafted, yet Snow has the potential right now to draft like the old Bill Torrey of the seventies, and early eighties, and not trade current players like “Mad” Mike Milbury, and Maloney did. Snow has been given praise by the fans for his free agent signings, and developing of young players. Don’t threaten him now, if one player who has not played a single game in the NHL yet, is not drafted by the Islanders.

Most fans may not know this, but whoever is drafted with the first overall pick, and if this player plays next season, it will be the first time since 1995-1996 that the Islanders will have 5 or more players that they drafted in the first round to play at one time. That is a 13 year drought of poor drafting first round talent. What Snow is doing is what every good GM should be doing: researching, scouting, not giving in to the media, nor the fans, and building a team the way it should have been built years ago….through the development of the young players. He’s not going to trade these players, like the aforementioned GMs did. He will pick whoever best fits this organization both for the present and future. This organization, if it wants to get back its winning ways must draft correctly every year. Who knows, maybe Snow is thinking the same way the fans are. He has not steered away from his plan, and as of now has no intentions of. We as fans should only support what Snow does because his predecessors did not leave him with much to begin with. And when the Islanders are once again primed for a Stanley Cup, you’ll look back and thank Snow for a job well done.

Wangs Regrets

For the past month, Charles Wang stated on WFAN that if he had to do it all over again, he would not. After what he's been through, fair enough, and fans should be grateful. Now there is enough news coverage all over the web, and bloggers who are making an emphasis on how much money Wang has lost, and how Long Island needs the Lighthouse Project (which would take 10 years to complete by the way), and they will continue to apply media pressure on the Town of Hempstead, but not this blogger.

In all honesty, I live in Pa. I don't live there. I don't have a vote in Hempstead, and to be honest I may not even have a big say as a blogger because of where I live. However, I do contribute to the Islanders by going to at least 3-5 games a year, and spending money on tolls, and parking, and so forth. As a traveling fan, I would not mind if the Islanders made the move to Queens. Less travel, and less money on tolls, and I would get home earlier. But I enjoy the Coliseum, the noise of a packed crowed, the atmosphere, and the travel isn't really that bad (2 hours is the average each way). I can visit a few relatives, and have dinner there, and then go see the game.

Whatever the outcome of the Islanders may be, as long as they are within a reasonable travel distance, I will be there. For next year it's still in Nassau. That's all I'm concerned with. Let's wait and see about the 2010-2011 season when that happens. Who knows, we may find out in October, or after Hempstead has gone through the elections coming up in November. There is still too much time for people to think about this everyday. Leave that to the people who are actually involved.

Playing GM

A lot of talk concerning the Islanders is what Snow will do with all his picks. He has the first overall pick in this years draft, and the 26th pick from Ottawa that was previously owned by San Jose. Plain and simple, just draft Tavares and continue to draft and stockpile the picks and really replenish this organization. Don't trade any second rounders and the 26th pick to move up in the draft to pick another tough d-man. Just stick with the plan and continue to draft like Snow did last year.

But now you get to play GM. What would you do if you were in Snow's position?

Comments.

How About The Defense

There is a reason why I did not put the defense as a "What is needed" category yesterday was because most, if not all of them fell into the "Need to be healthy" category. If this defense can remain healthy from beginning to end, this can have potential to be the best shut down defense in the division. Is there room for improvement? Of course. Then who do they need?

My choice is not Mike Komisarek. In fact, I would love the Islanders to grab Johnny Oduya from the Devils. Nothing against Komisarek, but unless he can be had at a hometown discount, I think Oduya would be a nice top 4 fit for this team. He can be physical, and score goals, and would compliment up and coming Bruno Gervais.

If this team stays healthy, I think you'll see more goals come from Gervais, Martinek and Meyer, which will take the pressure off Streit, and adding a player like Oduya can give a bigger physical presence along with Witt and Sutton. By the way, did I mention he can score goals also?

So What Happens Now?

The Sound Tigers were officially eliminated from the AHL playoffs....a little too early. I thought that they had a great regular season, but clearly were not ready for the playoffs. This was also a growing season for them, and with the new additions of DiBenedetto, and Katic, they should only get better.

Having said that, I don't believe that any of them will be making a strong case come training camp for a starters role on the Islanders. The Islanders will have to fill in the holes through the draft this year, and free agency.

So what do the Islanders need? Let's analyze shall we.

1. Need for health. Over 500 man games lost to injuries will kill almost every team, except St. Louis. But St. Louis had the talent from younger players to make a great run to the playoffs. The Islanders could be similar to St. Louis next year. If the Islanders were to keep the same team intact and healthy, we're looking around adding at least 10 points. But 10 points is not enough.

2. Scoring. I know I'm stating the obvious, but if the Islanders got more goals from Neilsen, Tambellini, and Bergenheim, players who were expected to help with the scoring this year, you may want to tack on another 5 points. Neilsen and Bergenheim were injured, and Tambellini came around in the second half of the season, but all must have breakout years next year or they will be replaced by someone from Bridgeport come the end of next season.

3. Need for a 1a goaltender. This is not a knock on Yan Danis, who in my opinion, deserves anothe one-year deal. Let him play in Bridgepoprt, and contend there. Again injuries could have been a factor, with his game, as he did not recieve enough help, but was very inconsistent down the stretch. The Islanders may want to look for a more experienced goatender, to replace Danis, and really give Di Pietro a wake up call, and challenge him. If he's not healthy again, that backup will be the starter, with danis as a proper number 2 backup.

End Of Season Review

Starting next week, depending on whether Bridgeport is eliminated from the playoffs, I'll go in depth with what I think the Islanders will do next year, and continue to post some of the unmentioned prospects before a new crop come in on June 26th from the draft.

It's your turn to play GM. What would you do with the Islanders?

Tavares Wants To Be An Islander

According to Greg Logan of Newsday, John Tavares wants to be the number one overall pick, and play for the Islanders. It just so happens that Tavares' agent Pat Brisson also represents Mark Streit, current bargain player of the year in last years free agent pool, and playing for the Islanders.

Tavares will be a huge boost for this offense that is in dire need of scoring. Forget the obvious market deals Tavares will get, that's an easy one. If Tavares catches fire early on in the season, unlike soon to be former first overall pick Steven Stamkos, the Islanders may end up being an legitimate threat for the playoffs.

Islanders Win Pick

So now Islanders fans must wait until June to see if Snow and Co. will select Tavares as the number 1. Why should the Islanders get Tavares? He can score. He's a future leader. He's marketable. He's a cornerstone player. He's everything the Islanders are looking for. If, or more likely, when the Islanders draft Tavares watch the season ticket sales go through the roof. Tavares may actually be enough to entice a few unrestricted free agents, whom the Islanders need for the first line and defense.

Most important, if the team comes together, the Lighthouse will be surrounded by Tavares and this new team, and Tavares alone will be an economical boost. Imagine what a revamped Islander team could do for Long Island.

Garth To Consider All Options

According to Newsday, Garth Snow will take phone calls from other teams, interview 5 or 6 players, and then consider the options before making an announcement on draft day, June 26th 2009. So unlike Tampa Bay last year, who announced Steven Stamkos at the draft lottery last year, the Islanders will keep their cards close to them.

For some younger Islanders fans, this is a migraine for another two months. For some older fans, this is exactly what Snow should be doing. The year is 1974, and then Islanders GM Bill Torrey has the first overall selection in the draft. He has not made his decision on who he will pick, which leads Montreal, with the number two pick, to have a lengthy conversation with him. In the end, Torrey was keeping the pick, he just wanted to hear what the offers were and selected Dennis Potvin.

Let Snow do his job, and then judge him after the draft. Tune in to Versus at 8:00 tonight, to see where the Islanders will draft, then let the scenarios start piling up.

Season Completed

The Islanders finally finished the season yesterday losing to Boston 6-2. Now the fans can move on to tomorrow where they will find out where their beloved team will be picking at the draft on June 26th. Many want Tavares should the Islanders pick first. If the Islanders do not get that first overall pick, look for Victor Hedman to be the Islanders choice. The only thing that most fans should not expect this year is this: Snow should not trade the pick for a package of anything. Hedman will be a cornerstone defenseman for any team in this league.

Trading any pick in the first or second overall pick is insane, and foolish, no matter how good the other top players are in the draft. The Islanders already have 11 picks in this years draft: two in the first round and the first pick in the second round, who could have the potentail of being first round quality.

The Islanders need to stick to the plan and continue drafting properly for this franchise to succeed.

Islanders Will Have Tavares or Hedman

With the Islanders losing last night 6-1 to the Pens, the Islanders are guaranteed the first or second overall pick in this years draft. Most people are hoping for the Islanders to win the draft, and possibly Tampa, assuming they'll draft Hedman over another center. Most Islanders fan want Tavares, and they should want him. He's an immediate boost to the young core of players, he can score goals, and he's marketable. April 14th at 8:00pm will have every Islanders fan glued to the TV. Stay tuned.

Islanders Closer To Draft Lottery

The magic number for the Islanders is now 3. That's the lowest they'll be able to select in this years draft. Another loss will almost assuredly give them a shot at either Tavares or Hedman. Both players will give the Islanders a big boost coming into next season. After losing by the biggest margin in franchise history last night, most Islander fans can take comfort that there will be a light at the end of this tunnel.

Not since the 2000-2001 team have the Islanders won so sparingly. This year's team feels different. Starting next year, assuming whomever they choose will play for the Islanders next year, will be the first time since 1996 that the Islanders will have 5 or more first round picks, that they selected, playing for this team. DiPietro, Bergenheim, Okposo, Bailey, Tavares/Hedman. Most of the players drafted from the 1990's never made to the 2001 team because of an overall poorly run organization, poor drafting, or they were traded away.

But now, we are keeping the players, keeping the coach, and stock piling the picks to increase the talent pool in the minors. The next pick, whoever that may be, will automatically get the Islanders out of the cellar in this league. Snow will most likely go after another free agent or two, and this team needs to be healthy. Their health will determine where they finish next year.

For Islanders fans who remeber the 1990's should not fear this time. Rather, this could be a team much like the 73-74 team, still growing, needing that one pick back to respectability, and further. They ended up getting two good picks in Gillies and Trottier, and look what happened.

Prospect Watch: Mark Katic

Mark Katic, a defenseman, 62nd overall pick in 2007, is a strong skater who possesses very good vision and passing skill.

Katic will have the potential to play the same way as Keith Ballard and Chris Campoli.

Mark has good offensive potential and plays the puck well. His size is not anything to brag about but he is not scared to take a few hits. Katic does have a good wrist shot, but is hesitant to shoot often.

Katic has the potential for the Islanders, but with the core of defenseman present, katic will have plenty of time adjusting to the pro level at Bridgeport for maybe the next 2-3 years.

Stats:

Season	Team	GP	G	A	Pts
2005-06	Sarnia	51	5	29	34
2006-07	Sarnia	68	5	35	40
2007-08	Sarnia	45	5	26	31
2008-09	Sarnia	63	13	41	54

Isles Beat Tampa 3-1

Prospect Watch: Shea Guthrie

From what i could gather about 2005 76th overall pick Guthrie, his skating is real smooth and quick, that was one of the things I was impressed with a lot, he doesn't seem to have a confidence problem either and he won't be nervous to play with the puck give the chance, but he doesn't do it in situations that don't call for it, so hes very smart.
"He's a complete package offensively. Shea can skate and possesses a hard shot."

Guthrie has mentioned that he would like to emulate Mike Fisher's style of play.

Stats for Guthrie:

	Season	GP	G	A	Pts
Guthrie	2009	30	13	14	27
	2008	38	9	13	22
	2007	36	8	23	31

My analysis: I think Guthrie will be a project of sorts, and most likely will be given a shot at Bridgeport. Difficult to say if he can make it to the NHL at this time, but talent wise, should make Bridgeport next season.

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.

Islanders Blow 2-0 Lead